Agua Azul & Palenque Ruins: Full-Day Tour From San Cristobal

Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Chiapas region, the "Agua Azul & Palenque Ruins: Full-Day Tour From San Cristobal" promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to enjoy the country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Travelers will have the opportunity to witness the stunning azure cascades of Agua Azul, known for their mesmerizing hues, before delving into the ancient Mayan civilization at the Palenque archaeological site. With a knowledgeable guide by their side, participants can expect a seamless and insightful journey, complete with a delicious lunch and the chance to uncover the secrets that lie within these remarkable destinations.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours in San Cristobal De Las Casas.

Key Points

• A full-day tour covering the Agua Azul waterfalls and Palenque archaeological site, departing from San Cristobal and priced at $65 per person.
• Explore the shimmering blue cascades of Agua Azul, known for their stunning azure hue due to high limestone content.
• Marvel at the 35-meter-tall Misol Ha waterfall, the highest in Mexico, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
• Discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque, dating back to the 7th century AD and showcasing the civilization’s architectural brilliance.
• The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, a guided tour, lunch, and gratuities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does this full-day tour from San Cristobal entail?

The Agua Azul & Palenque Ruins tour is priced from $65 per person and lasts the entire day. It picks up participants at Calle Diego de Mazariegos 28 in San Cristobal, and the group size is limited to 10 people.

The tour is conducted in Spanish and transportation is provided by a shared 14-passenger van.

Highlights include visiting the shimmering Agua Azul waterfalls for an hour, the 35-meter tall Misol Ha waterfall, and spending 2 hours exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque.

The tour includes entrance fees, a guide, lunch, and tips.

Agua Azul Waterfalls

The Agua Azul Waterfalls, a series of shimmering blue cascades, are the first stop on this full-day tour.

The waterfalls are best seen during the dry months of April and May, when the high limestone content gives the water a stunning azure hue. Visitors will have an hour to explore the falls, with the opportunity to wade in the waist-deep Shumulhá River at the end of the cascades.

The lush, verdant surroundings provide a serene and picturesque backdrop to this natural wonder. While the volume of water may be lower during the dry season, the clarity and color of the falls more than make up for it, offering a breathtaking start to the day’s adventures.

Misol Ha Waterfall

After exploring the stunning Agua Azul Waterfalls, the tour heads to the Misol Ha Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Mexico at 35 meters tall.

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the cascading waters create a serene and captivating atmosphere. Visitors have an hour to take in the natural beauty and marvel at the sheer power of the waterfall.

Some key things to enjoy at Misol Ha:

• Photograph the waterfall from multiple angles to capture its grandeur
• Hike to the base of the waterfall for a closer look and feel the mist on your skin
• Swim in the refreshing plunge pool at the base, if conditions permit
• Explore the surrounding forest and spot native wildlife
• Savor a locally-sourced lunch near the waterfall’s edge

Palenque Archaeological Site

Emerging from the lush jungle, the Palenque Archaeological Site stands as a testament to the remarkable Mayan civilization that once thrived in this region. A highlight of the tour, visitors can explore the ancient city’s ruins, which date back to 226 B.C. and were abandoned around 1123 A.D. Known for its fine Mayan architecture, sculpture, and bas-relief carvings, the site offers a glimpse into the sophistication of this lost civilization.

Feature	Description
Founding	226 B.C.
Peak	7th century A.D.
Decline	Around 1123 A.D.

Visitors can wander through the site for two hours, marveling at the impressive structures and gaining a deeper understanding of Mayan history and culture.

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Tour Inclusions

This full-day tour of Agua Azul and the Palenque Ruins includes a comprehensive set of inclusions to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

The tour package covers:

• Transportation by a shared 14-passenger van, allowing for comfortable and efficient travel between the sites.
• Entrance fees to all the featured attractions, including the Agua Azul Waterfalls and the Palenque Archaeological Site.
• Knowledgeable guide services, providing valuable insights and historical information throughout the tour.
• A delicious lunch, ensuring participants are well-nourished during the day’s activities.
• Gratuities for the guide and driver, eliminating the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Important Information

As per the tour details, there are several important points to consider when booking and participating in this full-day tour of Agua Azul and the Palenque Ruins. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexibility. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear, as well as a camera to capture the stunning scenery. However, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems. Booking can be done with a reserve now and pay later option.

Cancellation Policy	What to Bring	Not Suitable For	Booking Flexibility
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund	Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, camera	Pregnant women, individuals with back problems	Reserve now & pay later option available

Customer Feedback

The full-day tour of Agua Azul and Palenque Ruins has received an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 19 customer reviews.

Reviewers praised the tour’s organization, giving it a 4/5 rating, but were more critical of the guide and transportation, which received 3.7/5 and 3.6/5 respectively.

While customers were impressed by the stunning waterfalls and impressive Mayan ruins, common feedback highlighted the long travel times as a downside.

Recommendations include considering a multi-day stay in Palenque for a more relaxed experience.

• Beautiful waterfalls and impressive Palenque ruins
• Criticism of long travel times between sites
• Positive feedback on the tour’s organization
• Mixed reviews of the guide and transportation
• Suggestions for a multi-day stay in Palenque

Key Highlights

The tour offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico’s natural and cultural wonders. Visitors will be enchanted by the shimmering Agua Azul waterfalls, a series of cascades fed by the limestone-rich Shumulhá River. During the dry season, the water’s blue hue is particularly striking. Towering over the cascades is the impressive Misol Ha waterfall, Mexico’s highest at 35 meters. The tour then transports guests to the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, whose ruins date back to the 7th century and showcase the civilization’s architectural, sculptural, and artistic brilliance.

Agua Azul Waterfalls	Misol Ha Waterfall
Visit for 1 hour	Highest waterfall in Mexico at 35 meters
Shimmering blue cascades	Visit for 1 hour

Palenque Archaeological Site
Visit for 2 hours
Mayan city-state flourishing in the 7th century
Notable for fine Mayan architecture, sculpture, and bas-relief carvings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at the Archaeological Site?

Photography is generally allowed at the Palenque archaeological site. Visitors can take photos of the impressive Mayan ruins and structures, though they may be subject to restrictions in certain areas to preserve the site.

What Languages Does the Guide Speak Besides Spanish?

The tour guide speaks Spanish as their primary language. Unfortunately, the tour overview does not indicate that the guide speaks any other languages besides Spanish on this particular tour.

Are Life Jackets Provided for the Waterfalls?

The tour does not provide life jackets for the waterfalls. Visitors are responsible for bringing their own safety equipment if they wish to swim or explore the waterfall areas. Appropriate attire and caution are recommended when visiting the waterfalls.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Stops?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the stops along the tour. There are local vendors selling handcrafted items, traditional textiles, and other regional products at both the Agua Azul Waterfalls and Palenque Archaeological Site.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there’s typically an option for a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours allow travelers greater flexibility and personalized attention, though they come at a higher cost per person than shared group tours.

Recap

This full-day tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural wonders and ancient Mayan heritage of Chiapas. Visitors will be captivated by the vibrant blue cascades of Agua Azul, the serene Misol Ha Waterfall, and the impressive Palenque ruins, all while enjoying the convenience of a guided journey and a delectable lunch. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines the best of Mexico’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural history.

You can check if your dates are available here: